THUNDER STRUGGLE WITH DEFENSE IN TWO MID WEEK OUTINGS

For the second time this week, the Langley Thunder gave up two early goals, fought back to at tie in the second period, and then watched their opponents slowly pull away in the third: Thursday, it was Nanaimo, Tuesday it was New Westminster. The games had several similar features.

Thursday night’s final was Timbermen 16 - Thunder 8.

Last Tuesday at Queens Park the margin was similar - Salmonbellies 15 – Thunder 10.

Against Nanaimo, The Thunder attack was led by Kevin LeMond, Reegan Comeault, Brandon Bull, Max Weselowski and Sean Lundstrom. Together they scored 12 of Langley’s 17 points – including 5 of the teams 8 goals. The other goal scorers were Colten Hayes, Jon Rakic and Colton Porter.

On defense, the Thunder struggled once again. The Timbermen scored the first three goals on powerful shots released from the scoring circle. At the other end, the Thunder had difficulty penetrating to within two to three meters of that dotted line as the Nanaimo defense held them farther away from the goal.

Defensively, Langley’s zone – both 5 man and penalty-killing was effective, intermittently. Frequently it shifted and reshaped itself to meet the Nanaimo attack. But, on some Timbermen goals the zone was a little slow-footed.

In the third period, the friction between the teams erupted in a series of ill-considered penalties with Nanaimo getting most of them. However, while serving a total of 21 penalty minutes in the third period, Nanaimo outscored Langley 8 – 1. Of the visitor’s 8, three were short-handed and two more were on power plays. Though they maintained composure longer, Langley’s discipline weakened and they picked up 12 minutes in minor penalties, plus a 5 and 10 for Captain Colten Hayes.

The Thunder continue to show excellent speed and quickness and a clear hunger to win.

The players are alert and focused and the very capable rookies are maturing with every outing. In the next ten days, several additional players will arrive as the US College semester ends and the Thunder fans will see more experience, size and depth added to the roster.

The Thunder have only two days to regroup. They face Victoria on Sunday afternoon (May 9th) at the Langley Events Centre. Early start. Game time is 5:00 pm.